CN102792409B - Hybrid relay - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a hybrid relay, which is characterized in that it comprises: a first mechanical contact switch, the contact of which is opened and closed by a first driving part; a second mechanical contact switch, whose contact is The second drive unit independent of the first drive unit is turned on and off; and a semiconductor switch connected in series with the second mechanical contact switch, wherein the series circuit formed by the second mechanical contact switch and the semiconductor switch The first mechanical contact switch is connected in parallel to a power supply circuit for supplying electric power from the power source to the load, and a snubber circuit is connected in parallel to the first mechanical contact switch.

Description

hybrid relay

technical field

The invention relates to a hybrid relay equipped with a mechanical contact switch and a semiconductor switch.

Background technique

Conventionally, in order to switch power supply and cutoff to a load having an inverter circuit for inverter control such as lighting fixtures, a hybrid relay including a mechanical contact switch and a semiconductor switch connected in parallel has been used. A load having an inverter circuit is provided with a large-capacity smoothing capacitor for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage. When the load is powered on from the AC power supply, a large current flows into the smoothing capacitor, and a surge current flows into the load. Especially in the case of a high load such as a high power supply voltage, since the inrush current flowing into the load increases, a large current based on the inrush current also flows in the hybrid relay connected between the load and the AC power supply.

Therefore, in such a hybrid relay, in order to avoid contact welding (contact melting) of the contact pairs of the mechanical contact switch due to a large current based on the surge current flowing through the mechanical contact switch, firstly, the The semiconductor switch is turned on.

In addition, in the following description, "putting the semiconductor switch into a conduction state" and "making the mechanical contact switch into a closed state" are respectively described as "turning on (ON) the semiconductor switch" and "making the mechanical contact switch switch on (ON)".

Similarly, in the following description, "making the semiconductor switch in a non-conductive state" and "making the mechanical contact switch in an open state" are described as "turning off (OFF) the semiconductor switch" and "making the mechanical contact switch open" respectively. The contact switch is disconnected (OFF)".

After the surge current flows through the semiconductor switch, when the current supplied to the load becomes stable, the mechanical contact switch is turned on. Through this action, a large current can be suppressed from flowing through the mechanical contact switch in the hybrid relay, thereby preventing the contact pair of the mechanical contact switch from causing contact due to the generation of an arc (arc) just before contact. welding.

In this way, the hybrid relay includes a semiconductor switch to prevent the contacts of the mechanical contact switch from being welded. After the semiconductor switch is turned on, the mechanical contact switch is turned on, and then the semiconductor switch is turned off to start supplying power to the load.

In addition, there is proposed a hybrid relay having a structure in which a mechanical contact switch different from the mechanical contact switch is added in series with the semiconductor switch before turning on the mechanical contact switch and the semiconductor switch. Contact switch (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The circuit configuration of this hybrid relay will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a conventional hybrid relay.

The hybrid relay 1 forms a closed circuit together with the AC power source 2 and the load 3 by connecting the AC power source 2 and the load 3 connected in series. Hybrid relay 1 has: terminal 10, which is connected to the other end of AC power supply 2 with one end connected to one end of load 3; terminal 11, which is connected to the other end of load 3; first mechanical contact switch 12, which A contact portion S1 having both ends connected to the terminals 10, 11; a second mechanical switch 13 having a contact portion S2 having one end connected to a connection node between the terminal 10 and one end of the contact portion S1; a semiconductor switch 14 , which includes a three-terminal bidirectional AC switch (triac) S3, the T1 electrode of the triac S3 is connected to the other end of the contact portion S2, and the T2 electrode is connected to the terminal 11; The first mechanical contact switch 12 , the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 are controlled to be on (closed)/off (opened).

The power supply from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 via the hybrid relay 1 is performed based on an instruction from the signal processing circuit 16 . Specifically, based on an instruction from the signal processing circuit 16, the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 are respectively turned on. And, based on the instruction from the signal processing circuit 16, after the power is supplied from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3, the first mechanical contact connected in parallel with respect to the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 connected in series is made Switch 12 is turned on. Thereafter, based on an instruction from the signal processing circuit 16, the semiconductor switch 14 and the second mechanical contact switch 13 are turned off in this order. In this way, when the triac S3 of the semiconductor switch 14 is turned on, power supply from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 starts via the power supply circuit formed by the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14. Then, after both the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 are turned off, electric power is supplied from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 via the power supply circuit including the first mechanical contact switch 12 .

Next, the power supply from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 via the hybrid relay 1 is cut off based on an instruction from the signal processing circuit 16 with the first mechanical contact switch 12 turned on. Specifically, based on an instruction from the signal processing circuit 16, the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 are respectively turned on. Thus, a power supply circuit via the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 is established, and a part of the current flowing to the load 3 flows to the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14, thereby reducing the flow to the first mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14. point switch 12 current. Then, based on the instruction from the signal processing circuit 16, the first mechanical contact switch 12 is turned off, and the semiconductor switch 14 and the second mechanical contact switch 13 are turned off in this order. In addition, the cutoff of the power supply from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 is performed in synchronization with the turnoff of the semiconductor switch 14 .

In the hybrid relay 1 disclosed in this patent document 1, the first mechanical contact switch 12 provided on the power supply circuit leading to the load is set as a latching type (latching type). When switching 12, the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 are operated. Accordingly, power consumption when the hybrid relay 1 is used can be reduced.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-103099

However, in the hybrid relay 1 of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the power is supplied from the AC power source 2 to the load 3, the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on until the semiconductor switch 14 is turned on. Noise may be generated during the time it is turned on. Thus, when the inter-contact voltage of the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 contains a noise component, as shown in FIG. 6 , the triac S3 constituting the semiconductor switch 14 malfunctions. FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of an operation sequence in a conventional hybrid relay.

Therefore, when the voltage between the contacts of the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 contains a noise component when the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on, the load 3 bidirectionally communicates with the triac. Unintended switching on or off of the switch S3 synchronously causes a malfunction. In this case, as a result, there is a problem that the operation reliability of the hybrid relay 1 is unstable.

In view of such conventional problems, the present invention provides a hybrid relay that effectively suppresses malfunctions of a semiconductor switch and a load when noise is generated between contacts of a contact portion of a mechanical contact switch.

Contents of the invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hybrid relay comprising: a first mechanical contact switch whose contacts are opened and closed by a first drive unit; a second mechanical contact switch whose the contact is opened and closed by a second drive part independent from the first drive part; and a semiconductor switch connected in series with the second mechanical contact switch, wherein the contact formed by the second mechanical contact switch and the semiconductor switch The series circuit is connected in parallel with the first mechanical contact switch on the power supply circuit that supplies power from the power source to the load. A latch-type mechanical contact switch that supplies current from a drive unit. The second mechanical contact switch and the semiconductor switch are respectively turned on before switching the contacts of the first mechanical contact switch. After the contacts of the first mechanical contact switch are switched on and off, they become non-conductive respectively, and a snubber circuit (snubber circuit) is connected in parallel with the first mechanical contact switch.

The snubber circuit is formed by connecting in series a resistor constituting the semiconductor switch and a capacitor arranged in parallel with a photo triac constituting the semiconductor switch.

The snubber circuit is preferably formed of a series circuit of a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch.

The resistors constituting the snubber circuit are preferably anti-surge resistors.

The effect of the invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when noise is generated between the contacts of the contact portion of the mechanical contact switch, it is possible to effectively suppress the malfunction of the semiconductor switch and the load.

Description of drawings

The purpose and features of the present invention will be clarified by the following drawings and description of preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a hybrid relay according to a first embodiment.

2 is a timing chart illustrating an example of an operation sequence of the hybrid relay according to the first embodiment when a load is turned on.

3 is a timing chart illustrating an example of an operation sequence of the hybrid relay according to the first embodiment when a load is turned off.

4 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a hybrid relay according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a conventional hybrid relay.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of an operation sequence in a conventional hybrid relay.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings constituting a part of this specification. The same reference numerals are attached to the same or similar parts throughout the drawings, and explanations thereof are omitted.

<First Embodiment>

A hybrid relay according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a hybrid relay 1 according to the first embodiment.

1. Structure of Hybrid Relay 1

As shown in FIG. 1 , the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment forms a closed circuit together with the AC power source 2 and the load 3 by connecting the AC power source 2 and the load 3 connected in series. That is, the power supply and power supply cutoff from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 are performed according to the ON state and the OFF state of the hybrid relay 1 . The AC power supply 2 is, for example, a 100V commercial power supply or the like. The load 3 is, for example, a lighting fixture including a fluorescent lamp or an incandescent lamp, or a ventilation fan.

Hybrid relay 1 has: terminal 10, which is connected to the other end of AC power supply 2 with one end connected to one end of load 3; terminal 11, which is connected to the other end of load 3; first mechanical contact switch 12, which It includes a contact part S1 with one end connected to the terminal 10; the second mechanical contact switch 13 includes a contact part S2, and one end of the contact part S2 is connected to the connection between the terminal 10 and one end of the contact part S1. node; a semiconductor switch 14 comprising a triac S3 whose T1 electrode is connected to the other end of the contact portion S2 and whose T2 electrode is connected to the terminal 11; and a signal processing circuit 16 which performs Control to make the first mechanical contact switch 12 , the second mechanical contact switch 13 , and the semiconductor switch 14 be in an ON state or an OFF state, respectively.

The circuit configuration of this hybrid relay 1 will be described in detail. In the hybrid relay 1, the series circuit composed of the contact part S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the triac switch S3 of the semiconductor switch 14 is connected to the first mechanical contact switch 12 at the terminals 10, 11. connected in parallel.

The first mechanical contact switch 12 is a latch-type mechanical contact switch that includes a magnetic coil L1 that generates an electromagnetic force for switching the contact portion S1 into an on state, and a magnetic coil L1 that generates an electromagnetic force for switching the contact portion S1 to an on state. Switches the magnetic coil L2 of the electromagnetic force to the OFF state. That is, the first drive unit of the first mechanical contact switch 12 is constituted by the magnetic coils L1 and L2.

The second mechanical contact switch 13 is a normally excited (continuously excited) type mechanical contact switch, and includes a magnetic coil L3 that generates an electromagnetic force for keeping the contact portion S2 in an on state. That is, the second drive unit of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is constituted by the magnetic coil L3.

In the first mechanical contact switch 12, one end of the magnetic coil L1 is connected to the cathode electrode of the diode D3, and the anode electrode of the diode D3 is connected to the signal processing circuit 16. On the other hand, one end of the magnetic coil L2 is connected to the diode D4. The cathode electrode of the diode D4 is connected, and the anode electrode of the diode D4 is connected to the signal processing circuit 16 . The other ends of these magnetic coils L1, L2 are connected to each other. Furthermore, the connection node of these magnetic coils L1 and L2 is grounded and connected to the respective anode electrodes of diodes D1 and D2. In addition, "grounding" in the following description means connecting to the reference voltage in the hybrid relay 1 .

In addition, each cathode electrode of diode D1, D2 is connected to each cathode electrode of diode D3, D4. Thus, the first mechanical contact switch 12 includes magnetic coils L1 , L2 connected in series, diodes D1 , D2 whose anode electrodes are connected to each other, and diodes D3 , D4 whose anode electrodes are connected to the signal processing circuit 16 .

The second mechanical contact switch 13 includes a magnetic coil L3 and a diode D5 connected in parallel with the magnetic coil L3. One end of the magnetic coil L3 is grounded at a connection node formed by the anode electrode of the diode D5 , and the signal processing circuit 16 is connected to a connection node formed by the other end of the magnetic coil L3 and the cathode electrode of the diode D5 .

The semiconductor switch 14 includes a triac switch S3, a capacitor C1 connected in parallel between the T2 electrode and the gate electrode G of the triac switch S3, a resistor R1 and a capacitor C2, and one end connected to the triac switch S3. The resistor R2 of the T1 electrode and the photo triac coupler (photo triac coupler) 15 including the photo triac S4, the T1 electrode of the photo triac S4 is connected to the other end of the resistor R2.

Also, when the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on, a large current due to a surge current flows into the semiconductor switch 14, so the resistor R2 is preferably an anti-surge resistor.

Furthermore, the capacitor C2 is connected in parallel to the series circuit of the phototriac S4 and the resistor R1, and is connected in series with the resistor R2. A snubber circuit is formed in the semiconductor switch 14 by connecting the resistor R2 and the capacitor C2 in series. As shown in FIG. 1 , this snubber circuit is provided in parallel connection with respect to the first mechanical contact switch 12 .

The phototriac 15 further includes a light emitting diode LD whose anode electrode is connected to the signal processing circuit 16 via a resistor R3 and whose cathode electrode is grounded. In addition, in the photoelectric triac coupler 15, the optical signal from the light-emitting diode LD is input to the photoelectric triac S4, and the T2 electrode of the photoelectric triac S4 is connected to the T2 electrode of the triac S3. The gate electrode G is connected. And, the photoelectric triac S4 is a semiconductor switch element with a zero-cross trigger (Zerocross ignition) function. When the light signal from the light-emitting diode LD is input, the photoelectric triac S4 is detected at the T2 electrode side. Conduction starts when the central voltage (reference voltage) of the AC voltage of the AC power supply 2 is reached.

2. Power supply using hybrid relay 1

The operation of the hybrid relay 1 when power is supplied from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 or the like will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 2 . 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation sequence of the hybrid relay 1 in the case where the load 3 is turned on via the hybrid relay 1 according to the first embodiment, that is, when the load 3 is operated by supplying electric power. timing diagram.

Next, the operation of each part in the hybrid relay 1 when the signal processing circuit 16 instructs to supply power from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 , the signal processing circuit 16 outputs a signal for supplying a drive current to the magnetic coil L3 at time t0. Based on the drive current supplied in accordance with this signal, electromagnetic attraction force is generated in the magnetic coil L3, and the contact part S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 including the magnetic coil L3 is turned on at time t1. In addition, the diode D5 connected in parallel to the magnetic coil L3 functions as a backflow prevention diode for preventing the current flowing through the magnetic coil L3 from flowing backward. Since the contact part S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is in the ON state at time t1, the inter-contact voltage of the contact part S2 decreases as shown in FIG. 2 .

And, as shown in FIG. 1, in the semiconductor switch 14, a snubber circuit is formed by a resistor R2 constituting the semiconductor switch 14 and a capacitor C2 arranged in parallel with the series circuit of the phototriac S4 and the resistor R1. When power is supplied from the AC power source 2 to the load 3, this snubber circuit suppresses the generation of noise generated when the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on at time t1, and as a result, it can Inhibit the misoperation of the triac S3 (refer to FIG. 6 ). That is, with this snubber circuit, the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment can supply power from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 at an appropriate timing without causing the triac S3 to malfunction.

After the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on at time t1, the signal processing circuit 16 supplies a driving current to the light emitting diode LD at time t2. Thus, in the phototriac coupler 15 , the light emitting diode LD emits light, and the phototriac S4 receives an optical signal generated by the light emission. The photoelectric three-terminal bidirectional AC switch S4 has a zero-cross trigger function, as shown in Figure 2, when it is detected that the AC voltage from the AC power supply 2 becomes the center voltage as the reference voltage (time t3), the photoelectric three-terminal bidirectional AC switch S4 becomes ON.

Through the ON state of the photoelectric triac S4, the AC current from the AC power source 2 flows to the parallel circuit formed by the resistor R1 and the capacitor C1 through the resistor R2 and the photoelectric triac S4. Thus, the parallel circuit formed by the resistor R1 and the capacitor C1 operates to supply current to the gate electrode G of the triac S3, and the current flows through the T1 electrode to the T2 electrode of the triac S3. It becomes an ON state, that is, the triac S3 becomes an ON state (time t3). Thus, the load 3 is electrically connected to the AC power source 2 via the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 of the hybrid relay 1 , and thus the power of the AC power source 2 is supplied to the load 3 .

At this time, since an inrush current flows from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 , a large current based on the inrush current also flows in the on-state triac S3 and phototriac S4 . The photoelectric triac S4 has a zero-cross trigger function, whereby there is no deviation in the moment when the photoelectric triac S4 turns on with respect to the cycle of the AC voltage from the AC power source 2, so this surge can be suppressed. The deviation of the current amount of the inrush current.

After the triac S3 is turned on at time t3, the signal processing circuit 16 supplies a pulse current as a drive current to the magnetic coil L1 via the diode D3 at time t4. At this time, in the first mechanical contact switch 12 , the diode D1 functions as a backflow prevention diode that prevents the current flowing to the magnetic coil L1 , and the diode D4 prevents the current from flowing to the magnetic coil L2 .

As a result, the pulse current flows through the magnetic coil L1, the electromagnetic attractive force temporarily acts, and the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 is turned on (time t5). In addition, since the first mechanical contact switch 12 is a latch type, the contact portion S1 maintains the ON state even after the current supply to the magnetic coil L1 is stopped.

And, when the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 is turned on at time t5, the current from the AC power source 2 flows through the contact portion S1, and the current does not flow through the triac S3. current. Therefore, substantially synchronously with the on-state of the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12, at time t5, the T1-T2 electrode of the triac S3 is in an off-state, that is, the three-terminal The bidirectional AC switch S3 is turned off. Moreover, since the contact part S1 of the 1st mechanical contact switch 12 is in an ON state even after time t5, power supply from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 continues.

After the triac S3 is turned off at time t5, the signal processing circuit 16 stops supplying the drive current to the magnetic coil L3 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 at time t6. That is, since the current supply to the magnetic coil L3 is stopped, the electromagnetic attraction force of the magnetic coil L3 in the normally excited second mechanical contact switch 13 disappears, and the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 becomes is disconnected. In addition, after time t5 (for example, time t6), the signal processing circuit 16 also stops supplying the drive current to the light emitting diode LD.

Thus, the second mechanical contact switch 13 is in the off state after the triac S3 is in the off state, so there is no power supply on the power supply circuit composed of the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14. The contacts of the contact portion S2 are opened while the current is flowing. Accordingly, when the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned off, generation of an arc between the contacts of the contact portion S2 can be prevented, so that welding of the contacts of the second mechanical contact switch 13 can be prevented.

3. Power supply cut-off by hybrid relay 1

Next, the operation when power supply is cut off by the hybrid relay 1 from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 or the like will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 3 . 3 is a timing chart showing an example of an operation sequence of the hybrid relay 1 according to the first embodiment when the load 3 is turned off via the hybrid relay 1 , that is, when the power supply to the load 3 is cut off.

In addition, in FIG. 3 , it is assumed that power is supplied from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 before time t7, the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 is in the on state, and the contact portion S1 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is in the ON state. The contact part S2 is in the off state, and the semiconductor switch 14 including the triac S3 is in the off state.

Next, the operation of each part in the hybrid relay 1 when the signal processing circuit 16 instructs to cut off the power supply from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 , while power is being supplied from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 , the signal processing circuit 16 outputs a signal for supplying a drive current to the magnetic coil L3 at time t7 . Based on the drive current supplied in response to this signal, electromagnetic attraction force is generated in the magnetic coil L3, and the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 including the magnetic coil L3 is turned on at time t8. Since the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is in the ON state at time t8, the inter-contact voltage of the contact portion S2 decreases as shown in FIG. 3 .

Also, as described above, in the semiconductor switch 14, a snubber circuit is formed by the resistor R2 constituting the semiconductor switch 14 and the capacitor C2 provided in parallel with the series circuit of the phototriac S4 and the resistor R1. When the power supply from the AC power supply 2 to the load 3 is cut off, this snubber circuit suppresses the generation of noise generated when the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on at time t8, and as a result, Maloperation of the triac S3 can be suppressed (see FIG. 6 ). That is, with this snubber circuit, the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment can cut off the power supply from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 at an appropriate timing without causing the triac S3 to malfunction.

After the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on at time t8, the signal processing circuit 16 supplies a pulse current as a drive current to the magnetic coil L2 via the diode D4 at time t9. At this time, in the first mechanical contact switch 12 , the diode D2 functions as a backflow prevention diode that prevents the current flowing to the magnetic coil L2 , and the diode D3 prevents the current from flowing to the magnetic coil L1 . As a result, the pulse current flows to the magnetic coil L2, the electromagnetic attractive force temporarily acts, and the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 is turned off (time t10).

And, by opening the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 at time t10, the current from the AC power source 2 flows to the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13, including the triac S3 This current flows through the semiconductor switch 14 of the . Then, the signal processing circuit 16 supplies a drive current to the light emitting diode LD at time t7. Thus, a slight voltage is applied between the T1 electrode and the T2 electrode of the phototriac S4 before time t9. Therefore, at time t10, the T1-T2 electrode of the triac S3 is in an ON state substantially synchronously with the opening of the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 .

In FIG. 3 , it is illustrated that the driving current is supplied to the light emitting diode LD at time t7, but if a slight voltage is applied between the T1 electrode and the T2 electrode of the photoelectric triac S4 before time t9, then it may also be at time t7 The drive current is supplied to the light emitting diode LD at other times thereafter.

In addition, the contact portion S1 of the first mechanical contact switch 12 is turned off at time t10, but since both the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 are in the on state, at time t10 The power supply from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 continues at a time point of .

After time t10, the signal processing circuit 16 stops supplying the drive current to the light emitting diode LD at time t11. Thus, the light signal from the light emitting diode LD is no longer irradiated to the photoelectric triac S4, so when the AC voltage from the AC power supply 2 becomes the center voltage (time t12), the photoelectric triac S4 becomes Disconnected state. In conjunction with the off state of the phototriac S4 , the triac S3 is in the off state, and therefore the semiconductor switch 14 as a whole is in the off state. As a result, the power supply circuit from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 is cut off, so the power supply from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 is stopped.

In addition, the information processing circuit 16 stops supplying the driving current to the magnetic coil L3 at time t13 after stopping the supply of the driving current to the light emitting diode LD. That is, after the semiconductor switch 14 as a whole is turned off, the excitation of the magnetic coil L3 is stopped, and the contact of the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned off. At this time, the semiconductor switch 14 has been turned off as a whole, and no current will flow in the second mechanical contact switch 13, so even if the contact of the contact portion S2 is turned off, no current will flow. Since an arc is generated, contact wear of the second mechanical contact switch 13 can be prevented.

In this way, in the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment, a snubber circuit is connected in parallel with the first mechanical contact switch 12, and the snubber circuit includes a resistor R2 constituting a semiconductor switch 14 and a bidirectional communication with the photoelectric triac. Switch S4 is connected in parallel to the series circuit of capacitor C2.

Thus, in the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment, only by newly providing the capacitor C2, it is possible to switch the second mechanical contact switch 13 in accordance with the on state of the second mechanical contact switch 13. Even when a noise component is contained between the contacts of 13, malfunctions of the semiconductor switch 14 and the load 3 are effectively suppressed without increasing the number of parts more than necessary.

<Modification of the first embodiment>

As shown in FIG. 1, the snubber circuit in the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment is composed of a resistor R2 constituting a semiconductor switch 14 and a capacitor C2 arranged in parallel with the series circuit of the photoelectric triac S4 and the resistor R1. A series circuit is formed. In order to reduce the number of components in the hybrid relay 1, the circuit configuration of the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment is desirable.

However, the hybrid relay of the present invention is not limited to the example in which the above snubber circuit is formed by the resistor R2 and the capacitor C2. In Modification 1 of the first embodiment, another formation example of the snubber circuit will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a hybrid relay 1 a according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. In the hybrid relay 1 a shown in FIG. 4 , the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts as those in the circuit configuration of the hybrid relay 1 shown in FIG. 1 . Since the operation of each part to which the same reference numeral is attached is the same as the operation of each part of the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment, description of the operation will be omitted.

In the hybrid relay 1a according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment, a snubber circuit is formed by a series circuit of a resistor R4 and a capacitor C4 provided in parallel with the semiconductor switch 14a. That is, in the hybrid relay 1a of Modification 1 of the first embodiment, compared with the hybrid relay 1 of the first embodiment, the resistor R4 and the capacitor C4 are added, thereby increasing the number of components. However, similarly, even Even when a noise component is contained between the contacts of the second mechanical contact switch 13 according to the on state of the second mechanical contact switch 13, it is possible to effectively suppress the malfunction of the semiconductor switch 14a and the load 3. .

Specifically, when the snubber circuit formed by the resistor R4 and the capacitor C4 supplies power from the AC power source 2 to the load 3, similarly to FIG. As a result, generation of noise generated in the ON state can suppress malfunction of the triac S3 (see FIG. 6 ). Similarly, when the power supply from the AC power source 2 to the load 3 is cut off, the snubber circuit suppresses the occurrence of a shock when the contact portion S2 of the second mechanical contact switch 13 is turned on at time t8, similarly to FIG. 3 . As a result of the generated noise, malfunction of the triac S3 can be suppressed (see FIG. 6 ).

Various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, but it goes without saying that the hybrid relays 1 and 1a of the present invention are not limited to the above examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or amendments within the scope described in the claims, and these naturally also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, it has been described that the first mechanical contact switch 12 in the above-mentioned embodiment is a latch type switch, but may be a normally excited type switch. In this case, it is necessary to continue supplying a predetermined current from the signal processing circuit 16 to the magnetic coil of the first mechanical contact switch 12 while power is being supplied to the load 3, so the amount of driving current in the hybrid relay 1 The total amount increases, but the structure of the hybrid relay 1 can be downsized as a whole.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various changes and corrections can be made within the scope of the foregoing claims, and these also belong to the scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

1. A hybrid relay, characterized in that, possesses: a first mechanical contact switch, the contact of which is opened and closed by the first driving part; a second mechanical contact switch, the contacts of which are opened and closed by a second drive unit independent of the first drive unit; and a semiconductor switch connected in series with the above-mentioned second mechanical contact switch, Wherein, a series circuit formed by the second mechanical contact switch and the semiconductor switch is connected in parallel with the first mechanical contact switch on a power supply circuit that supplies power from the power source to the load, The above-mentioned second mechanical contact switch and the above-mentioned semiconductor switch are respectively turned on before the contacts of the above-mentioned first mechanical contact switch are closed, A snubber circuit is connected in parallel with respect to the above-mentioned first mechanical contact switch, When power is supplied from the power source to the load or when power supply from the power source to the load is cut off, the semiconductor switch is turned on after the second mechanical contact switch is turned on, The snubber circuit suppresses noise generated when contacts of the second mechanical contact switch are closed when power is supplied from the power source to the load or when power supply from the power source to the load is cut off. . 2. The hybrid relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snubber circuit is formed by connecting in series a resistor constituting the semiconductor switch and a capacitor provided in parallel with a phototriac constituting the semiconductor switch. 3. The hybrid relay according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snubber circuit is formed of a series circuit of a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch. 4. The hybrid relay according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resistors that make up the above snubber circuit are anti-surge resistors. 5. The hybrid relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second mechanical contact switch and the semiconductor switch are respectively turned on before switching the contacts of the first mechanical contact switch, and after the contacts of the first mechanical contact switch are switched. become non-conductive respectively. 6. The hybrid relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first mechanical contact switch is a latch-type mechanical contact switch that supplies current to the first drive unit when a contact of the first mechanical contact switch is opened and closed. 7. The hybrid relay according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mechanical contact switch is a latch-type mechanical contact switch that supplies current to the first driving unit when a contact of the first mechanical contact switch is opened and closed.